Chapter 15: The Stranger in the Forest

Eira couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible had happened to Nanny Samantha. She glanced at the clock—it had been two days since Samantha left, and the growing dread in Eira’s chest was impossible to ignore. Determined to find her, Eira grabbed a bag and packed water and food, just in case Samantha was in trouble. Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she set out to search for her, her resolve guiding her into the woods despite having no clear direction.

The forest seemed endless, its shadows twisting around her like silent whispers. Eira walked deeper into the thick trees, unsure of where to go, when a strange, cold fiery sensation began tugging at her chest. It wasn’t painful—it was a pull, steady and insistent, guiding her toward something unknown. Following the sensation, she pressed forward, the air around her growing heavier with each step. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant chirp of birds. Eira’s frost powers flickered faintly around her fingertips, reacting to the peculiar pull in her chest.

As she ventured deeper into the woods, her steps faltered as a robed man emerged from behind the trees. His appearance was sudden, catching her off guard. Eira instinctively stepped back, her hands trembling slightly. She turned quickly to run, but the man called out, his voice soft yet strained.

“Excuse me, miss,” he said, his tone carrying an undercurrent of desperation. “I’m looking for a girl with red hair and golden-red eyes. She’s my daughter, and she’s run away. I’m worried about her well-being.”

Eira froze, staring at the man. Red hair… golden-red eyes? That description struck her deeply, shaking loose the memory of the fiery girl from her visions. She opened her mouth to reply, but no words came. Unable to form coherent thoughts, Eira’s gaze dropped to the ground, where charred leaves lay scattered across the forest floor. She crouched down, gently touching one of the burned leaves. It crumbled instantly under her fingertips, turning to ash. Her gasp broke the silence as the man let out a weary sigh, running a hand over his face. His red-rimmed eyes and deep exhaustion were evident in his slouched posture. He seemed broken, fragile, as though the weight of his search was slowly crushing him.

Eira finally snapped out of her thoughts, forcing herself to speak. “No, sir, I haven’t seen her.” Her voice was hesitant, unsure. She paused, then asked cautiously, “May I ask her name?”

The man shifted, his tired eyes finally meeting Eira’s. At first, he seemed distracted, but then his gaze sharpened as he noticed her icy blue eyes and unmistakably blue hair. His eyes widened with recognition, and his voice trembled as he said, “You’re her.”

Eira blinked, utterly confused. “I’m her?” she echoed, taking a step back. “No, sir. You must be mistaken.”

“You’re her sister,” the man said, his voice firm but gentle.

Eira shook her head, panic flickering in her chest. “No, sir, you must be mistaken,” she protested, though her resolve wavered. “I’m the only daughter of the…” Her words trailed off as she caught herself, unwilling to reveal her identity as the king and queen’s daughter. If this man truly believed she was related to the fiery girl, he might try to take her back to the palace—or worse.

“I’m the only daughter in my family, sir,” she said finally, keeping her voice steady despite the doubt brewing inside her. “You must be mistaken. I’m sorry, but I haven’t seen the girl you’re looking for. I need to be on my way.”

Without waiting for a reply, Eira turned and started walking away, her steps hurried but deliberate. She felt the man’s gaze lingering on her, but she didn’t look back. She couldn’t risk getting involved—not now, not while Samantha was still missing. She clenched her fists, her frost powers flickering faintly as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.

Michael watched her go, his heart aching with the weight of recognition. He wanted to stop her, to explain, but time was against him. Ember was still out there, and every moment wasted made finding her harder. He turned his attention to the burned bushes and ash-streaked ground around him, his chest tightening with dread.

“What happened here?” he muttered to himself, crouching to examine the scorched leaves. “It looks like she was in a fight. I hope she’s okay…”

Straightening, Michael resumed his journey into the woods, calling Ember’s name every so often, his voice echoing through the trees. The woods seemed to press closer, their shadows deepening as he walked further. He thought of Ember’s gentle nature, her smile that lit up the darkest days—and Tracy’s venomous betrayal that had stolen all of it away.

Damn Tracy, he thought bitterly. Why did she do such a thing to such a kind girl? I should’ve divorced her a long time ago. His failures weighed heavily on him, but his resolve remained strong. He had to bring Ember back and ensure her safety, no matter the cost. This was his chance to make up for all the times he had failed her.

“Ember!” he shouted again, louder and more insistent. His voice cracked slightly, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t let her slip away. Each burned tree and scorched leaf felt like a painful reminder of the power Ember carried—power that could protect her, but also endanger her if left unchecked.

Meanwhile, Eira glanced back at the man in the distance, watching as he called out for someone named Ember. The name stirred something within her, an inexplicable familiarity that caused her frost powers to flicker faintly around her hands. She wanted to ask him more, to understand the connection, but her priority remained clear—she had to find Samantha. Without hesitation, she pressed on, her determination guiding her deeper into the woods.

Eira continued to follow the trail, her heart heavy with doubt and her mind filled with questions she couldn’t answer. Samantha’s scarf lay abandoned on the ground further ahead, twisted around a low-hanging branch. Eira’s breath caught, fear gripping her as she hurried to pick it up. The scarf was slightly torn, the fabric worn as though caught in a struggle. Eira clutched it tightly, her icy blue eyes scanning the path ahead.

“Samantha…” she whispered, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. Her powers stirred around her hands, her frost spreading faintly over the branches she touched. The cold fiery pull in her chest intensified once more, propelling her forward as her worry grew.